A Virginia Beach family law lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles divorce, custody, and support matters under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Virginia Beach Circuit Court filing fees start at approximately $86. Our firm has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. We provide full representation for your family legal matters.
Virginia Family Law Statutes and Definitions
Family law in Virginia Beach includes legal issues arising from family relationships, primarily handled in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. The foundational statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests), and § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally, based on statutory factors. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, personally amended the equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code (law.lis.virginia.gov). To review procedures and access forms for the Virginia Beach courts, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
Virginia Beach Family Court Procedures and Strategy
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your situation with a family law lawyer Virginia Beach to understand your rights and options under Virginia law.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will file the appropriate complaint (e.g., for divorce, custody) with the correct Virginia Beach court and pay the filing fee.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information. Your lawyer will negotiate a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings: If settlement fails, your attorney will represent you at pendente lite (temporary) hearings and a final trial before a judge.
- Final Order: The court issues a final decree of divorce, custody order, or support order, which your lawyer ensures is properly drafted and entered.
Potential Outcomes in Family Law Cases
In Virginia Beach, family law cases determine critical life issues like asset division, child custody, and financial support, with outcomes based on statutory factors and the child’s best interests.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not equal, division of marital property and debts. | Considers 11 factors including contributions, duration, and debts. |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal and physical custody arrangements. | Considers 10 factors including parent-child relationship and child’s needs. |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly payment based on parents’ combined income and custody share. | Can be modified with a material change in circumstances. |
| Spousal Support | Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support payments. | Considers 13 factors including need, ability to pay, and standard of living. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Virginia Beach Family Law Practice
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a unique perspective to family legal matters lawyer Virginia Beach cases. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide, our team understands the Virginia Beach courts. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment of Virginia’s key equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrates deep, substantive involvement in shaping the law that governs your case.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results and Client Representation
In Virginia Beach, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. Our approach involves meticulous preparation of property settlement agreements and vigorous advocacy in contested hearings. For instance, our team, including secondary attorney Mr. Sris—a former prosecutor and founder with a background in accounting—applies rigorous financial analysis to complex asset division cases involving businesses or retirement accounts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Virginia Beach Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients with family law matters in Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. Serving Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. Looking for a family law lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront or Town Center? Contact us 24/7.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Virginia Beach Family Law FAQs
How long does a divorce take in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It depends. An uncontested divorce with a signed agreement takes 2-4 months. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation before filing for no-fault divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
The Virginia Beach Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, a Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Total costs vary significantly based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is typically excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s needs. Standalone custody cases are filed in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment of one year or more.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing criminal charges alongside family court issues, learn about your options with our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer. For broader Virginia resources, visit our Virginia family law hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding your family law matter in Virginia Beach, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.